WMMC Press Release Archive
Occupational Therapy: Improving Daily Life for
Patients at Western Missouri Medical Center
April 22, 2008
Photographed above: Jennifer Bentley, MOT, OTR/L, helps Isabella Barrientos strengthen her left side in WMMC's therapeutic heated pool each week.
Warrensburg, MO - When 2 1/2-month-old Isabella Barrientos came to Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) for occupational therapy, she had little to no function on her left side. Isabella had just been released from Children's Mercy Hospital after having two strokes in utero. For two years, Jennifer Bentley, MOT, OTR/L, has worked with Isabella three times a week on her comprehensive therapy plan in an effort to strengthen her left side.
Recently, Jennifer incorporated aquatic therapy into Isabella's therapy, which takes place each week in WMMC's therapeutic heated pool located in the Rehabilitation Services Department. Isabella has made significant progress, with the "play" and "water" therapies keeping her interested as she continues to improve her left hand and arm function.
For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline because it assists with activities that most people take for granted, such as getting dressed or eating unassisted, being active at work or school, and even socializing.
"Isabella now climbs our backyard jungle gym using her left side," says Angel Barrientos, Isabella's mom. "She is also working on dressing and undressing." Angel was also shown how to incorporate her daughter's therapy into their home life. "Isabella's therapists encouraged me to ask questions and gave me ideas to use at home that support her therapy goals, it was very comforting to have that help," says Angel.
WMMC offers a variety of specialty services including myofacial release, chronic pain management, pediatric programs that include sensory integration and feeding, continence, women's health, hand therapy and aquatics in the therapeutic pool. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment - occupational therapists consider the whole person when collaborating with physicians and other professionals as they develop a comprehensive therapy plan.
"Occupational therapy doesn't just treat medical conditions," says Craig J. Marks, President and Chief Executive Officer. "It helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges."
Occupational therapy is "outcome-oriented," which means therapists help clients work toward achievable performance goals. Restoring function on her left side was 71 years old Portia McCoy's goal after being hit in a head-on collision that resulted in her left side being crushed. "After several surgeries and a year and a half spent in occupational therapy, I can now clasp a necklace, groom myself, dance, hike and mow three acres," says Portia. Her occupations therapy treatment was three times a week and included home visits, pain medication, heat therapy, relaxation tapes, hydro therapy and homework with clay, elastic bands and exercises from handouts.
Occupational therapy also addresses one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery - the return to a normal life. Severe pain caused by fibromyalgia brought Gail Haye to WMMC's occupational therapy program. She received myofascial release treatments three times a week for six weeks. "The myofascial release treatments brought me from limited painful function to almost pain free moderate activity," says Gail. "I am able to do household chores, go to work and participate in aquatic exercises. In just three months, my therapists have enabled me to experience less pain, taught me how to relieve pain when it comes on, and exercises to prevent it."
To find out more about occupational therapy and how it might help you, call Western Missouri Medical Center Rehabilitation Services at (660) 747-2500, extension 2166.
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care facility located in Warrensburg, Missouri. WMMC prides itself in obstetrics, orthopedics, out-patient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and emergency care. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services.